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Video: Garrett Gerloff “I’ve Had Enough – Donington Park”

David Swarts
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Video: Garrett Gerloff “I’ve Had Enough – Donington Park”
DONINGTON PARK CIRCUIT

 

Okay first of all, I need y’all’s opinions about my hair LOL We definitely changed things up, is it a go or no go? Second, we’re making progress! Even if the positions have been roughly the same, we are getting closer and closer to where we want to be. The gap to the front is the smallest it’s been CMON 👊🏽

Thanks for watching, let me know what your favorite part of the video was and let me know when I’ll see you at one of the races! Much love 🫶🏽

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Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

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0:00 New Rules

0:45 Lez’s Eyebrows

1:00 I’m Unstable

1:43 Track Walk

2:55 Saturday

6:00 MotoCalifornia

6:48 Sunday

10:21 Weekend Recap

11:28 Put the Gloves On

11:58 I Get My Payback

 

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery

David Swarts
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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This week’s podcast is “MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

Ural Motorcycles Releases 2WD Gear Up Expedition

David Swarts
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Ural Motorcycles Releases 2WD Gear Up Expedition

Ural Motorcycles Announces the Gear Up Expedition: Ready For Anything

  • The Expedition is the Gear Up’s top trim level
  • Equipped with nearly every accessory available in Ural’s catalog, the Expedition was developed with the the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind
  • The expedition comes in three unique colorways—Colza Field (green/yellow), Ember Flame (terracotta/silver), and Polar Dawn (blue/orange)
  • MSRP is $31,440 (CAD 42,100)

Redmond, WA. August 14, 2023 – Ural Motorcycles, the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles, released the top-of-the-line trim level for its legendary 2WD Gear Up model—the Expedition.

Built with the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind, the Expedition is a fully equipped, go anywhere, do anything machine that can tackle nearly any situation on or off the road.

Straight from the factory the Expedition comes with everything a rider and a passenger may need to travel to the edge of the world and back. On top of the standard Gear Up’s already respectable loadout, the Expedition comes with more luggage space, tougher bike and sidecar protection, matching windshields, upgraded suspension, and more.

The new Expedition comes in three unique colorways, representing the various types of terrain that travelers may choose to explore. Colza Field is a bright yellow over OD Green paint scheme meant to invoke lush prairies full of green leaves and yellow flowers. The dramatic orange over blue Polar Dawn recalls a fiery sunrise in the arctic circle and is a homage to Gear Up’s Siberian roots. Ember Flame—a dashing terracotta over silver affair—suggests an urban landscape of steel, glass, asphalt, and glittering lights, and designed to remind riders that adventures can be had anywhere, even in their own back yard.

The line that divides the colors slashes across the bike at a rakish 23.5 degrees, the same as Earth’s axial tilt. It’s a fun little easter egg and a nod to the Expedition’s ability to tackle any terrain and to Ural’s off-kilter character.

The 2023 Ural Gear Up Expedition has an MSRP of $31,440 (CAD 42,100) and is available now at Ural dealers. For more information, check out the Gear Up Expedition page on Ural’s Website and be sure to follow Ural on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

High-resolution still images and short videos of the Gear Up Expedition in action for editorial use can be found here. Please make a copy of the photos or videos for yourself and move the copies out of the folder instead of the main named files.

Ural Motorcycles has been the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles for more than 80 years. Urals are known for their rugged construction and distinctive styling. This mix of old and new, classic and modern, has gained these iconic machines a passionate following among adventurers, nonconformists, and motorcycle aficionados around the world. To learn more about Ural Motorcycles, visit imz-ural.com

MotoGP: World Championship Heading To The Red Bull Ring

David Swarts
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MotoGP: World Championship Heading To The Red Bull Ring

The stage is set! Who will run the show at the Red Bull Ring?

Happy hunting grounds for some, home turf for others. Austria welcomes MotoGP™ back for what could prove a pivotal weekend

Monday, 14 August 2023

After an adrenaline-fuelled Silverstone that saw Aprilia get back on the top step at one of their emblematic venues, it’s time to head for Austria and the Red Bull Ring – more common hunting grounds for Ducati and KTM. In fact, since the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, the last five races at the venue have proven a pattern of Ducati – KTM – Ducati – KTM – Ducati in terms of wins. Those early Borgo Panigale days of glory on MotoGP™’s return to the Red Bull Ring aren’t necessarily over, but they certainly have serious competition. So does that hold some clues as to what awaits us in Styria this season?

In the red corner

Last year, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took the glory in Austria, and after a performance under serious pressure at Silverstone when he arguably had the luxury of not pushing to the edge, but very much still did, he must arrive as a favourite this year too. Now with a good advantage in hand after a tougher Tissot Sprint in the UK became a big opportunity to gain on key rivals on Sunday, there’s even less of that pressure now as well. Pecco must surely be the rider in the crosshairs.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), however, took his first premier class win at the Red Bull Ring in 2021 – in fact, he started both races at the Red Bull Ring from pole in his rookie season, won the first and took a podium in the second. Now an even better rider and on quite a run of form come 2023, he’s the closest on the chase behind Bagnaia after the British GP shuffle. After getting battered back down the order on Sunday at Silverstone as well, it wasn’t a lack of speed that saw the number 89 lose out on valuable points, or really his own mistake. But the cookie crumbled that way and after losing 10 points to Bagnaia in the Grand Prix race at Silverstone, surely he arrives into Austria thinking it’s a good opportunity to gain some back… on Saturday AND Sunday.

The stakes are high

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will likely have something to say about that. The South African took KTM’s second and most recent home win at the venue in 2021, rolling the dice for one of the most edge-of-your-seat victories ever – and arguably one of the best. He’ll be absolutely elbows out to grab some more home glory for the Austrian factory, and teammate Jack Miller will be the same. They’ve had serious speed in 2023 too, wet or dry or sketchy, and already made a good few visits to parc ferme. If there’s one place both riders will be razor-sharp focused on some more trophies, it’s here.

That home glory on offer also extends to GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3’s Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro, with both in the points at Silverstone too. The former hasn’t finished outside them all year, and the latter put together an impressive weekend on his long-awaited return from injury. What have they got in the locker?

There’s also not home glory, but title sponsor glory on the line for CrytoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team… and right after Miguel Oliveira took his best result of the season so far, fourth, thanks to a truly impressive charge up from 16th on the grid. He only just missed out on the podium at Silverstone and will be aiming high, having also won at the Red Bull Ring in 2020 when riding with KTM. Teammate Raul Fernandez took a top ten at the British GP too, but he’ll be looking to keep moving forward.

That’s something Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) did in style at Silverstone. After qualifying 12th and storming to the win, he became the first rider to win from P12 or lower on the grid since the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix. And he did it beating the reigning Champion on the last lap. If that isn’t a confidence boost heading into the next round, such a thing probably doesn’t exist. Teammate Maverick Viñales was also strong at Silverstone and in that fight at the front, and both will want to show it’s not just the venue that suits them, but what they’re really capable of everywhere. Starting with another storming start, as both riders made good progress off the line last time out– and Aleix Espargaro said Aprilia’s work in the area was most definitely paying off. They’ll also have wildcard Lorenzo Savadori on track with them too, as that work very much continues.

Looking to hit back

Then there’s Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Saturday was a good one as he took pole and then second in the Sprint as Bagnaia failed to score. But on Sunday, a first mistake in some time saw the Italian slide out when chasing Bagnaia, ultimately costing him 20 points to the Championship leader. He’s also been passed in the standings by Martin once again… but Austria is a chance to fight back. History says it will require quite a push to overhaul Bagnaia and Martin here, but Bezzecchi’s form this season has cared less for track records and more for unabating speed whatever the venue. Can he make a statement?

Another looking to do so, but on the flip side after a technical issue last time out, is Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The number 73 took his first Tissot Sprint win on Saturday, escaping and holding off Bezzecchi, and was right in the podium fight on Sunday before that issue caused him to need to pull in. With a new contract in his back pocket to boot, Alex Marquez will be arriving with expectations, in the best way. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is another arriving after a tougher Sunday. He pulled in after getting rear ended and will want the chance to show his steps forward as he gets back to full fitness and back in the groove. Can he upset the apple cart at the front?

Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, will want a lot more. Zarco had a good Sprint in fourth but then a middling Sunday, and Marini didn’t manage to fully challenge at the front at Silverstone. Can they turn that around in Austria? And can Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) home in on his fellow Ducatis?

Full factory reset

Silverstone was a tough one for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ pairing Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. For Quartararo, the wet qualifying in which he crashed out left him last on the grid, and it didn’t get much better in the Sprint. Come race day though, the Frenchman was on a real charge up the order, so there were some positives until a clash with Marini saw him lose and then run over his own fairing. Only a year ago Quartararo was fighting for the win in Austria too, something to remember as the Misano Test approaches and the 2021 Champion’s vocal expectations of some real progress keep hitting the headlines. Meanwhile, we now know Morbidelli is leaving the factory, which adds an extra arc of storyline. What can Yamaha find in Austria?

Finally, at Honda, the vibe seems to have changed. We know that Alex Rins is leaving the factory to replace the aforementioned Morbidelli – and we await confirmation of when Rins will be back this season alongside Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda, with Iker Lecuona subbing this weekend – but for the rest it’s all hands on deck at Honda.

In the Sprint at Silverstone, Marc Marquez rode behind Repsol Honda teammate Joan Mir to get a look at their bike in action. On Sunday the number 93 crashed out but had some positives to find from the weekend. The maelstrom of noise and rumours about the future, stretching all the way back to the German GP, now seems to have gone quieter, and in its place it seems there’s an eight-time World Champion rolling his sleeves up and accepting not defeat, but what’s needed in the here and now to get back to glory. Information. Kilometers. Direction. Is that the reality on the inside? We can’t know for now, so we’ll just have to watch this space…

SHOWTIME IN STYRIA

The CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich sees us return to usual order, with MotoGP™ last on the menu.

Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)

Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)

Moto2™: Acosta arrives ahead on KTM home turf

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) couldn’t really have taken the Championship lead with better timing. With a podium at Silverstone he arrives into KTM’s home race with two points in hand, and he’ll want to leave the Red Bull Ring with even more. His form since that DNF in France would likely convince few to bet against him. So what has he got in the locker for Austria? And could the stage be set for some silly season pieces of the puzzle to fall into place?

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), meanwhile, will want to hit back after that difficult race at Silverstone, but he’ll need to find that few tenths he was missing. And Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) wants to find some luck as well after a crash in qualifying sent him mid-pack on the grid and then a tangle in the race sent him off into the gravel. Can they strike back?

New winner Fermin Aldeguer (SpeedUp) could prove one to watch once more though. We’ve often seen a first Grand Prix win open the floodgates and the injection of confidence, for a rider who’s already shown great speed, could get very interesting as the season rolls on.

Join us for more Moto2™ this weekend!

Moto3™: home glory on the line in Austria

At the Red Bull Ring in 2022, Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) overcame a double Long Lap to take a truly impressive win, and as the paddock arrives back in Austria the Japanese rider is on a run of podium finishes – and he’s up to second in the standings. He’ll be looking to take that elusive first win of the season on a stage he’s ruled before.

Speaking of first wins though, David Alonso (GASGAS Aspar Team) got the job done last time out, and in some style. From the back of the grid the rookie made history as the first Colombian Grand Prix winner, and he made it look easy. Can he keep the roll going?

Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), meanwhile, was back on the podium at Silverstone and still has quite an advantage, and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) only just lost out on a rostrum finish at Silverstone after that last lap shuffle. There’s something serious at stake for all too: home glory at KTM’s home track, as all fly the flag for brands racing under the Austrian factory’s umbrella.

The rider looking to truly bounce back is Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), who crashed out the lead at Silverstone, but he continues to lead the Honda resistance. Can he spoil the party? Styria could stage another classic so tune in this weekend for more Moto3™ action!

Video: Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back To The Future At Mugello

David Swarts
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Video: Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back To The Future At Mugello

Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back to the Future at Mugello

The Yamaha Racing Heritage Club enjoyed a spectacular two days at Mugello on the 21st-22nd of July as part of the Yamaha Racing Experience, uniting legendary riders and their modern-day contemporaries on some historic two-stroke machinery.

Do you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road? Find out if you are eligible to become a member of the YRHC and start the registration process by clicking here.

Now in its second year, in 2023, the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) is honouring the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary two-cylinder liquid-cooled TZ350 production racer that was brought out in 1973, based on the factory YZ634 ridden by Jaarno Saarinen to second in the 1972 FIM 350cc World Championship.

Plus, 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of the ground-breaking R1 superbike, which has achieved numerous successes over the years since its introduction in 1998, including two FIM Superbike World Championships (2009 & 2021) and four consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victories (2015-2018).

The Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE) at the magical Mugello Circuit in Italy provided the perfect opportunity for stars of the past and present to come together to celebrate both of these iconic machines in what proved to be a truly memorable occasion. The YRE is usually an exclusive event only open to owners of Yamaha’s flagship R1M, but for the first time, it was expanded to include invited members of the YRHC to allow them to join in the fun.

Over the two days, the YRHC members got to take part in several dedicated track sessions alongside two legendary Venezuelan riders whose names are synonymous with the TZ, 1975 FIM 350cc World Champion and 1978 FIM Formula 750 World Champion Johnny Cecotto and double FIM 250cc World Champion (1983 & 1986) Carlos Lavado.

 

 

To complete the connection from the past to the present, they were joined by Yamaha’s current crop of riding superstars from the FIM Superbike World Championship and the Endurance World Championship, who all race the R1.

These included Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Official Team’s 2021 Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and 2020 Supersport World Champion Andrea Locatelli, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s double Supersport World Champion (2021 & 2022) Dominique Aegerter and 2020 Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner, GMT94 WorldSBK Team’s 2022 Supersport World Championship runner-up Lorenzo Baldassari, Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team’s 2022 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray, plus Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s 2017 Endurance World Champion Niccolò Canepa.

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoying the smell of the exhaust from an ex-Eddie Lawson Yamaha YZR500. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoying the smell of the exhaust from an ex-Eddie Lawson Yamaha YZR500. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

During the event, the modern-day Yamaha riders got to fulfil their childhood dreams by trying out some seminal two-stroke machines, including Eddie Lawson’s 1986 FIM 500cc World Championship-winning YZR500 0W81, Freddie Spencer’s 1993 ROC Yamaha YZR500, Christian Sarron’s 1978 TZ750, plus replicas of the YZR750 0W31s that Steve Baker and Cecotto rode to the FIM Formula 750 World Championship in 1977 and 1978 respectively.

 

Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker's 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker’s 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Having been given a taste of what it was like to race on a classic two-stroke, the WorldSBK and EWC riders returned the favour by giving Cecotto and Lavado a chance to take to the track on something more akin to what they ride competitively, a pair of the latest-spec R1Ms. Both sets of riders embraced the opportunity in a joyous celebration of all things Yamaha, showcasing how racing is truly a part of the manufacturer’s DNA.

To complete its second year, the YRHC will honour Yamaha’s long history of success in off-road racing and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the YZ series of bikes at the Veterans MX of Nations at Foxhills in England on the 24th-28th of August. The event will feature three-time 125cc MX World Champion Alessio Chiodi, former Yamaha factory motocross team manager Michele Rinaldi, and several historic YZ machines from throughout its fifty years of racing.

As you can see, the YRHC was set up to safeguard and recognise Yamaha’s rich racing legacy by allowing owners of classic race bikes to become members, register their bikes on the official database, receive advanced technical support, and participate in some very special events.

Would you like to join the YRHC? If you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road, find out if you are eligible to become a member and start the registration process by clicking here.

Paolo Pavesio

Director Marketing & Motorsport – Yamaha Motor Europe

“What an event! It is the first time we have invited members of the YRHC to the YRE, and it turned out to be a truly memorable moment. I have rarely seen so many smiling faces, and to see the YRHC members get to ride on track alongside Johnny and Carlos, as well as our today stars from WorldSBK and EWC. It was incredible to see the younger riders try out our legendary two-stroke bikes and, for Carlos and Johnny to get the chance to ride the R1M. It was a wonderful event that brought together the past and present of Yamaha to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TZ alongside the 25th anniversary of the R1, and I think it was something extraordinary for the YRHC members to experience. Technology may have moved on a lot, but racers share a similar passion no matter the era they are from, and it was great to see that shared with the YRE customers and YRHC members over the two unforgettable days in Mugello.”

Turn 14 Distribution Acquiring Tucker Powersports

David Swarts
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Turn 14 Distribution Acquiring Tucker Powersports

Tucker Powersports To Be Acquired by Turn 14 Distribution

Fort Worth, TX – August 14, 2023 – Tucker Powersports announced today that its business will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution, one of the largest automotive aftermarket distributors in the United States.  The purchase includes certain assets of Tucker and all of its private label brands, which include well-known brands such as Kuryakyn, Answer Racing, Pro Taper, and QuadBoss.

“The change in ownership will provide a huge injection of resources to better serve Tucker dealers around the country,” said Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports. “I am confident that Turn 14 will have a significant impact on the powersports industry with its approach to inventory and its high-quality customer service.”

Turn 14 Distribution is noted for its customer-first approach, proprietary technology, and logistics efficiency in the automotive industry. Turn 14 Distribution is a sixteen-year-old, national, B2B only distributor based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It operates facilities in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, and has over five hundred employees across three distribution centers and two office locations. The company, named after the 14th turn in the legendary Road America racecourse, was awarded SEMA’s Warehouse Distributor of the Year in 2016, 2018, and 2021. In 2022 it was awarded SEMA Channel Partner of the Year, previously the Warehouse Distributor of the Year award, for excellence in distribution. It will apply to the powersports industry many of the principles the company was founded upon and is known for, including building favorable relationships with partners and employees and leveraging the company’s strengths in operations, technology, and customer service.

“We understand the importance of the dealer in the motorcycle and UTV owner experience,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution. “We are confident that powersports dealers will benefit from working with us, and we are excited to continue the legacy of Ed Tucker and others who have played an important role in this company’s history.”

Piper Sandler & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Tucker.

N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Again, At PittRace (Updated)

David Swarts
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N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Again, At PittRace (Updated)

Army Of Darkness Wins Overall And Heavyweight Class at the N2/WERA National Endurance Race by Dunlop at Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Army of Darkness’ (AOD) Josh Hayes, Chris Peris, Ben Walters, and Cody Wyman took the Heavyweight class and overall victories at Round Four of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop six-hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, in Wampum, Pennsylvania.

“It was the first time in 30 years that we loaded the racebike into the trailer heading to the track which was not capable of turning a lap,” said AOD Crew Chief Tim Gooding. “We had a leaking countershaft seal at our test on Monday and fortunately Josh Hayes was testing with Attack Performance, so he hand carried the part for us on his flight to Pitt and we pressed the seal into place on Friday morning at the start of practice.  That was a first for me.”

With the “retaining oil” problem resolved, the race was not without incident.

“We had the strongest rider line up we’ve ever had for a race with Josh Hayes, Cody Wyman, Ben Walters, and the long-awaited return of Chris Peris,” said Chief Mechanic Melissa Berkoff. “We knew that our lap times were going to be competitive and relentless as each rider was going to be fast, so we were really keeping one eye on the weather and the other on the fickle and capricious nature of the endurance racing goddess.”

Starting from pole position, Hayes took the lead of the race from lap one and AOD never relinquished it, ultimately finishing two laps ahead of the second-place team.

“We got a little bit of a break because the first rain storm came exactly when we needed to pit for fuel and tires anyway,” said Wyman. “The crew were watching the minute to minute weather and left me out a few extra laps dipping into the reserve fuel to put rains on just when we needed fuel.  The Dunlop slicks worked surprisingly well on a wet track!”

“There is always something to learn on a road race bike and endurance racing gives a lot of opportunities for those lessons,” said Hayes. “The weight bias on the bike, the hard compound tires, having to mix up the lines to move through traffic, and the changing conditions.  My least favorite time on a race bike is being out on a dry track on deteriorating rains, so guess what they made me do!”

 

Chris Peris (99) preserving the front Dunlop on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.
Chris Peris (99) preserving the front Dunlop on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.

 

“I was going around the outside of a rider in six when he lost the front, straightened up and T-boned me at about 120 mph,” said Chris Peris. “The impact deployed the air bag on my suit and bent my right clip-on down like a vintage board track racer and pushed me off into the rain soaked grass at about 100 mph.  The whole time I am thinking “DO NOT DROP THE BIKE OUT OF P1!”  I got back onto pavement and got back down to pace but with my airbag deployed I couldn’t really see or move.  And the bent clip-on was barely usable.  I did about ten laps like that before the lightning warning red flagged the race.  Welcome back to endurance racing!”

AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry 13, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVVPKiHYQ52FqkoPkI-vEQ?sub_confirmation=1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:

Army of Darkness wins the largest Ever N2/WERA National Endurance Event at Pitt Race.

 

Army of Darkness (99). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Army of Darkness (99). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

Media, PA (August 2023) – Army of Darkness won the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop 6-Hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. The event, held on Saturday August 12th, was the largest N2 motorcycle endurance event ever held with more than 87 teams competing for a lucrative cash purse and championship bonuses.

The 6-hour race started under beautiful Pennsylvania blue skies with Josh Hayes starting from pole on the Dunlop equipped Army of Darkness YZF-R1. Hayes led into Turn One and the Army of Darkness team never relinquished the lead for almost four and half hours until the race was stopped for lightning in the area. The paddock waited patiently for the weather to clear, and a little after the five hour and thirty-five-minute mark the track gave the ok to resume race.  Race officials looked at the time required to get corner workers and safety personnel back in position and at three additional storms cells approaching. It was concluded that there simply was not enough time to get the race restarted safely before the 6-hour mark and the decision was made to call the race at the time of the weather-related red flag.

Army of Darkness extended their overall championship points lead and Heavyweight class points lead with the victory in both classes. Riders Josh Hayes, Cody Wyman, Chris Peris and Ben Walters have been fast and consistent all year on their Dunlop-quipped Yamaha YZF-R1 with very few mistakes. Roll Tide Racing came all the way from Colorado to finish second in the Heavyweight class on a BMW S 1000 RR. Team Keep it on the Pipe finished third on a Kawasaki ZX-10R with riders Alex Irzyk, Patrick Plowman, and Eric Vowels.

 

Alpha Omega (38). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Alpha Omega (38). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

The Alpha Omega Endurance Team won the Middleweight class race on a Dunlop-shod Yamaha YZF-R6 with riders Anthony Mazziotto, Blake Davis, Eziah Davis, and Emerson Amaya. Alpha Omega ran the fastest lap times in middleweight by a large margin and completed fast pitstops for a dominant win. LaRoche Racing finished second on a Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R6 with riders CJ LaRoche, Chris Murphy, and Craig Frantz.  Mi Scusi finished in third with riders John Hvizdak, Sloan West, Thomas McQuigg and Tim Wilson also on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

The Lightweight Class was won by endurance veterans RBoM Racing led by the legendary Russell Masecar. Russell used brilliant pit strategy and a bit of luck to secure victory on a Suzuki SV650 with riders Giacomo Manera and Ryan Wolfe. Robem Engineering finished in second place with riders Gus Rodio, Toby Khamsouk, and Alessandro DiMario on an Aprilia RS 660 and 419 Racing finished third with riders Jerry Reeves and Jon Crawford.

The Ultra Lightweight 2-Hour Endurance was an incident-free affair with 46 teams competing on a variety of motorcycles. SportbikeTrackGear.com’s Max Van rode the entire event solo to a victory of more than 45 seconds over Ready to Ride’s Ryne Snooks. Team ECB/Bartcon Racing finished third. All of the top three teams used Kawasaki Ninja 400s.

 

Max Van (48) on the SportbikeTrackGear.com Kawasaki Ninja 400. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Max Van (48) on the SportbikeTrackGear.com Kawasaki Ninja 400. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

The Relay Class is a unique exhibition class intended to get teams into endurance racing without building a dedicated endurance program. Each rider on the team can use their own bike and switch transponders with their teammates instead of performing complete pit stops. Nature Power Superbike dominated the relay class and turned the fastest lap time of the event with riders Jason Waters and Dan Kruger. We R1 Endurance Race Team finished in second and Team Half Send finished third.

About N2:  N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information: www.n2td.org

Roadracing World Action Fund: Donations Large And Small Make A Difference!

David Swarts
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Roadracing World Action Fund: Donations Large And Small Make A Difference!

This year’s “Rainey’s Ride to the Races” event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca brought enthusiastic race fans and road racing stars together to have fun and raise money for the Roadracing World Action Fund.  All of the 40 spots available for the ride were sold out plus several spots made available at the last minute, and each $500 ticket purchased included a three-day admission ticket for the MotoAmerica race weekend. Twenty tickets were purchased by the (Terry) Vance Family Foundation.

Others donating at the event were noted Roadracing World Action Fund contributor Leslie Stretch, who, with his donation of $25,000, tops the individual contributor list with an all-time total of $175,000 in donations; The Talbott Family Foundation, donating $10,000 ($50,000 total); and Mark Mitchell, donating $8,000 ($14,000 total). Other cash donations brought the total raised to nearly $100,000.

Road racing and track day organizations: N2 Trackday’s most recent fundraiser totaled $33,553; PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days raised $23,004; and OMRRA, $10,000. The California Roadracing Association (CRA), Yamaha Champions Riding School, and the Bagger Racing League each donated $5,000.

Many have donated this year to help replace Airfence sections lost in a fire which was caused by a crash at Road Atlanta; and RideSmart Motorcycle School in Texas is fundraising to cover deployment of much needed soft barriers at its school and track day events.

In Memory of…

NEMRR raised $21,461 in memory of Scott Briody, killed in MotoAmerica competition at Brainerd International Raceway in 2022.

The family of racer Jason Aguilar, who died in a bicycle accident, raised $966 on Facebook and donated it to the fund in his memory.

About the Roadracing World Action Fund

      The Roadracing World Action Fund – a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization – began back in 2001 as a grassroots movement to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and riders.  At the time, haybales or stacks of tires were sometimes placed in front of concrete walls for rider protection in case of a crash. A far better solution for rider safety existed – FIM-homologated inflatable soft barriers which absorb the energy of a crash. Soft barriers–made by Airfence or Alpina and purchased the Roadracing World Action Fund using donations and fund raisers–help improve the chances that racers can walk away from a crash which in the past might have caused catastrophic injury, or even death. 

     The Roadracing World Action Fund gained the support of the motorcycle community, as racers, riders, family and friends, motorcycle businesses, racing organizations and racetracks helped make use of soft barriers the standard, rather than the exception, for motorcycle races and track days across the nation. Now, from Laguna Seca to Daytona, Motorsports Ranch to VIR, Road Atlanta to Road America, and many more, soft barriers are deployed more frequently and in greater quantities than ever before, as the Roadracing World Action Fund continues its mission of helping prevent racetrack injuries through motorcycle road racing safety education, and by organizing donations and funding to purchase and deploy FIM-homologated soft barriers.

Video: Garrett Gerloff: “Road Trip To Misano – Italy”

David Swarts
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Video: Garrett Gerloff: “Road Trip To Misano – Italy”

 

Hard to explain how much fun it is having familiar faces around! Been loving having my friends and family come over for the race weekends, I hope they keep coming!

MotoCalifornia Luxury Motorcycle Tours: 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/MotoCalifornia

Watch all the World SuperBike action LIVE here! 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/WorldSBK31

Defy All Odds apparel 10% off with discount code: GG31 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/DefyAllOdds31

Helmet: https://www.hjchelmets.us/product/rph...

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Gloves: https://www.alpinestars.com/products/...

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Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

#roadtrip #europe #worldsbk

00:00 Intro

00:19 Airport 🇪🇸

00:58 Andorra 🇦🇩

02:21 Monaco 🇲🇨

03:19 Misano 🇮🇹

03:36 MotoCalifornia Promo

04:23 Michele Sporco Prank

05:52 Sunday Montage

06:46 Wise Words

 

British Superbike: Race Two And Race Three Results From Thruxton (Updated)

David Swarts
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British Superbike: Race Two And Race Three Results From Thruxton (Updated)

Jason O’Halloran won Bennetts British Superbike Race Two Sunday at Thruxton Circuit, in England. Riding his McAMS Yamaha YZF-R1, the Australian won the 20-lap race by 1.176 seconds.

Lee Jackson was the runner-up on his Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, and Charlie Nesbitt got third on his MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

O’Halloran then completed a sweep of the weekend by winning 20-lap Race Three by a scant 0.213 second. Jackson was the best of he rest again, and Nesbitt claimed third again.

BeerMaster Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell holds the Championship point lead after 21 of 33 races.

Americans Eli Banish and Julian Correa finished seventh and 11th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup Race Two Sunday at Thruxton.

 

BSB R2
 BSB R3
 BSB Points after R3

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MSVR:

Thunder from down under: Aussie rules to make history in another Thruxton thriller

 

 

Jason O'Halloran. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran. Photo courtesy MSVR.

 

Jason O’Halloran has eclipsed triple champion Niall Mackenzie to become Yamaha’s most successful race winner in Bennetts British Superbike Championship history, celebrating a treble race win in another Thruxton thriller to take his race-winning tally to 25 for the manufacturer.

Thruxton was a successful weekend for the Australian contenders as the O’Show was unstoppable in Bennetts BSB, whilst Ben Currie completed a double in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship.

After victory in the BikeSocial Sprint Race yesterday, O’Halloran was hungry to repeat the feat and maintain his impressive win rate at Thruxton, which he did in impressive style to claim eight of the last nine races at the circuit.

However, he was made to work for it in both races as Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki all celebrated podium success and for Team Green, their first top three finish in 2023 as Lee Jackson became the eleventh different podium finisher of the season.

In the second race of the weekend O’Halloran carved his way through the pack to claim victory, coming from tenth at the end of lap one to snatch the lead in the closing stages to hold off Jackson who took both his and the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki team’s first podium of 2023.

O’Halloran had started seventh on the grid, but at the end of the opening lap, he was down to tenth and then had to work his way back through the pack. It wasn’t until the final five laps when he had moved into fourth and then he was battling for the lead with Jackson with three laps to go.

After trading positions, the Australian was able to make a break on the final two laps to maintain his impressive winning form at Thruxton, celebrating his 25th race win in Bennetts BSB.

Jackson meanwhile had pushed through to second after an intense battle that featured no less than eight riders throughout the 20-lap contest. The Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki rider had the edge over the fight for third, but it was disappointment for his teammate, rookie Max Cook, who had been mixing it with the more established contenders all weekend.

The local contender was embroiled in the tussle in the front group, but on lap 14 it got congested into the Chicane and he ended up on the kerb and consequently crashed out unhurt.

The pack continued to shuffle with positions constantly changing and it was a traditional Thruxton dogfight until the finish, with nothing separating the top eight contenders.

Rookie Nesbitt continued his impressive performance this weekend to return to the podium holding off Ryan Vickers on the leading LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha who had been one of six different riders to lead the pack during the race.

In the final race of the weekend, again O’Halloran had to fight his way through to the front; ending the opening lap in tenth place, losing a place from his ninth place grid position. The O’Show once again though delivered a calculated performance to work his way through the pack, keeping his calm to move up the order. At mid-race distance, he was seventh and it wasn’t until the closing laps that he made his final charge.

O’Halloran moved from fourth to second on lap 18 of 20 with a decisive move to pass both Nesbitt and Jackson. The Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki rider though fought back to regain the lead, but on the penultimate lap, the McAMS Yamaha emerged ahead and then held off the counter challenge to take the triple win.

The treble victory has launched O’Halloran from sixth in the standings before round seven, up to third ahead of Cadwell Park on the August Bank Holiday.

Jackson and rookie Nesbitt returned to the podium for the second time today as Cook celebrated equaling his strongest result in his first Bennetts BSB season with another fourth place. Nesbitt celebrated at the end of his home round, giving the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing team a treble podium in only his seventh round in the Superbike class.

Vickers was the leading LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha in fifth place ahead of Leon Haslam on the leading BMW.

Championship leader Tommy Bridewell finished in 14th and 15th place today, in his worst finish of the season. The BeerMonster Ducati rider still maintains his advantage at the top of the standings, but it has been reduced to 26.5 points over teammate Glenn Irwin.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Race 2 result:

  1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
  2. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +1.176s
  3. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +2.185s
  4. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +2.773s
  5. Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha Racing) +2.807s
  6. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +5.090s
  7. Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +7.259s
  8. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +7.407s
  9. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +7.728s
  10. Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +8.021s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Race 3 result:

  1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
  2. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.213s
  3. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +0.334s
  4. Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.929s
  5. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +1.145s
  6. eon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +3.014s
  7. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +3.927s
  8. Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +4.142s
  9. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +5.927s
  10. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +8.002s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

  1. Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 263
  2. Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 236.5
  3. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 212.5
  4. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 208
  5. Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 201
  6. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 185.5
  7. Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 178
  8. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 175
  9. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 159
  10. Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) 115

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Jason O’Halloran

McAMS Yamaha

“That’s the best weekend of my career, coming off the back of a couple of average rounds to bounce back like this is exactly what we needed.

“We’ve clawed a lot of points back this weekend with pole position and three race wins which is incredible. I’m now Yamaha’s most successful rider in terms of race wins and have 26 BSB wins which is just incredible.

“And I’ve won eight of the last nine races at Thruxton which is another amazing stat!

“This is exactly what the team needed and I think we can carry this momentum forward now to Cadwell Park which is my favourite race of the year.”

Video: Garrett Gerloff “I’ve Had Enough – Donington Park”

American Garrett Gerloff (31) at speed on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR Superbike at Donington Park. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
American Garrett Gerloff (31) at speed on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR Superbike at Donington Park. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
DONINGTON PARK CIRCUIT

 

Okay first of all, I need y’all’s opinions about my hair LOL We definitely changed things up, is it a go or no go? Second, we’re making progress! Even if the positions have been roughly the same, we are getting closer and closer to where we want to be. The gap to the front is the smallest it’s been CMON 👊🏽

Thanks for watching, let me know what your favorite part of the video was and let me know when I’ll see you at one of the races! Much love 🫶🏽

Subscribe 🫡

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Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

#GG31 #WorldSBK #BMWM1000RR

0:00 New Rules

0:45 Lez’s Eyebrows

1:00 I’m Unstable

1:43 Track Walk

2:55 Saturday

6:00 MotoCalifornia

6:48 Sunday

10:21 Weekend Recap

11:28 Put the Gloves On

11:58 I Get My Payback

 

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (left) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (right) in the paddock at Jerez. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (left) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (right) in the paddock at Jerez. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.

Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This week’s podcast is “MotoGP – The Chicane Chicanery.”

The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.

Ural Motorcycles Releases 2WD Gear Up Expedition

A Ural Gear Up Expedition. Photo courtesy Ural Motorcycles.
A Ural Gear Up Expedition. Photo courtesy Ural Motorcycles.

Ural Motorcycles Announces the Gear Up Expedition: Ready For Anything

  • The Expedition is the Gear Up’s top trim level
  • Equipped with nearly every accessory available in Ural’s catalog, the Expedition was developed with the the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind
  • The expedition comes in three unique colorways—Colza Field (green/yellow), Ember Flame (terracotta/silver), and Polar Dawn (blue/orange)
  • MSRP is $31,440 (CAD 42,100)

Redmond, WA. August 14, 2023 – Ural Motorcycles, the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles, released the top-of-the-line trim level for its legendary 2WD Gear Up model—the Expedition.

Built with the ultimate motorcycle adventure in mind, the Expedition is a fully equipped, go anywhere, do anything machine that can tackle nearly any situation on or off the road.

Straight from the factory the Expedition comes with everything a rider and a passenger may need to travel to the edge of the world and back. On top of the standard Gear Up’s already respectable loadout, the Expedition comes with more luggage space, tougher bike and sidecar protection, matching windshields, upgraded suspension, and more.

The new Expedition comes in three unique colorways, representing the various types of terrain that travelers may choose to explore. Colza Field is a bright yellow over OD Green paint scheme meant to invoke lush prairies full of green leaves and yellow flowers. The dramatic orange over blue Polar Dawn recalls a fiery sunrise in the arctic circle and is a homage to Gear Up’s Siberian roots. Ember Flame—a dashing terracotta over silver affair—suggests an urban landscape of steel, glass, asphalt, and glittering lights, and designed to remind riders that adventures can be had anywhere, even in their own back yard.

The line that divides the colors slashes across the bike at a rakish 23.5 degrees, the same as Earth’s axial tilt. It’s a fun little easter egg and a nod to the Expedition’s ability to tackle any terrain and to Ural’s off-kilter character.

The 2023 Ural Gear Up Expedition has an MSRP of $31,440 (CAD 42,100) and is available now at Ural dealers. For more information, check out the Gear Up Expedition page on Ural’s Website and be sure to follow Ural on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

High-resolution still images and short videos of the Gear Up Expedition in action for editorial use can be found here. Please make a copy of the photos or videos for yourself and move the copies out of the folder instead of the main named files.

Ural Motorcycles has been the world’s leading producer of sidecar motorcycles for more than 80 years. Urals are known for their rugged construction and distinctive styling. This mix of old and new, classic and modern, has gained these iconic machines a passionate following among adventurers, nonconformists, and motorcycle aficionados around the world. To learn more about Ural Motorcycles, visit imz-ural.com

MotoGP: World Championship Heading To The Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring, in Austria. Photo courtesy Michelin.
The Red Bull Ring, in Austria. Photo courtesy Michelin.

The stage is set! Who will run the show at the Red Bull Ring?

Happy hunting grounds for some, home turf for others. Austria welcomes MotoGP™ back for what could prove a pivotal weekend

Monday, 14 August 2023

After an adrenaline-fuelled Silverstone that saw Aprilia get back on the top step at one of their emblematic venues, it’s time to head for Austria and the Red Bull Ring – more common hunting grounds for Ducati and KTM. In fact, since the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, the last five races at the venue have proven a pattern of Ducati – KTM – Ducati – KTM – Ducati in terms of wins. Those early Borgo Panigale days of glory on MotoGP™’s return to the Red Bull Ring aren’t necessarily over, but they certainly have serious competition. So does that hold some clues as to what awaits us in Styria this season?

In the red corner

Last year, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took the glory in Austria, and after a performance under serious pressure at Silverstone when he arguably had the luxury of not pushing to the edge, but very much still did, he must arrive as a favourite this year too. Now with a good advantage in hand after a tougher Tissot Sprint in the UK became a big opportunity to gain on key rivals on Sunday, there’s even less of that pressure now as well. Pecco must surely be the rider in the crosshairs.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), however, took his first premier class win at the Red Bull Ring in 2021 – in fact, he started both races at the Red Bull Ring from pole in his rookie season, won the first and took a podium in the second. Now an even better rider and on quite a run of form come 2023, he’s the closest on the chase behind Bagnaia after the British GP shuffle. After getting battered back down the order on Sunday at Silverstone as well, it wasn’t a lack of speed that saw the number 89 lose out on valuable points, or really his own mistake. But the cookie crumbled that way and after losing 10 points to Bagnaia in the Grand Prix race at Silverstone, surely he arrives into Austria thinking it’s a good opportunity to gain some back… on Saturday AND Sunday.

The stakes are high

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will likely have something to say about that. The South African took KTM’s second and most recent home win at the venue in 2021, rolling the dice for one of the most edge-of-your-seat victories ever – and arguably one of the best. He’ll be absolutely elbows out to grab some more home glory for the Austrian factory, and teammate Jack Miller will be the same. They’ve had serious speed in 2023 too, wet or dry or sketchy, and already made a good few visits to parc ferme. If there’s one place both riders will be razor-sharp focused on some more trophies, it’s here.

That home glory on offer also extends to GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3’s Augusto Fernandez and Pol Espargaro, with both in the points at Silverstone too. The former hasn’t finished outside them all year, and the latter put together an impressive weekend on his long-awaited return from injury. What have they got in the locker?

There’s also not home glory, but title sponsor glory on the line for CrytoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team… and right after Miguel Oliveira took his best result of the season so far, fourth, thanks to a truly impressive charge up from 16th on the grid. He only just missed out on the podium at Silverstone and will be aiming high, having also won at the Red Bull Ring in 2020 when riding with KTM. Teammate Raul Fernandez took a top ten at the British GP too, but he’ll be looking to keep moving forward.

That’s something Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) did in style at Silverstone. After qualifying 12th and storming to the win, he became the first rider to win from P12 or lower on the grid since the 2006 Turkish Grand Prix. And he did it beating the reigning Champion on the last lap. If that isn’t a confidence boost heading into the next round, such a thing probably doesn’t exist. Teammate Maverick Viñales was also strong at Silverstone and in that fight at the front, and both will want to show it’s not just the venue that suits them, but what they’re really capable of everywhere. Starting with another storming start, as both riders made good progress off the line last time out– and Aleix Espargaro said Aprilia’s work in the area was most definitely paying off. They’ll also have wildcard Lorenzo Savadori on track with them too, as that work very much continues.

Looking to hit back

Then there’s Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Saturday was a good one as he took pole and then second in the Sprint as Bagnaia failed to score. But on Sunday, a first mistake in some time saw the Italian slide out when chasing Bagnaia, ultimately costing him 20 points to the Championship leader. He’s also been passed in the standings by Martin once again… but Austria is a chance to fight back. History says it will require quite a push to overhaul Bagnaia and Martin here, but Bezzecchi’s form this season has cared less for track records and more for unabating speed whatever the venue. Can he make a statement?

Another looking to do so, but on the flip side after a technical issue last time out, is Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The number 73 took his first Tissot Sprint win on Saturday, escaping and holding off Bezzecchi, and was right in the podium fight on Sunday before that issue caused him to need to pull in. With a new contract in his back pocket to boot, Alex Marquez will be arriving with expectations, in the best way. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is another arriving after a tougher Sunday. He pulled in after getting rear ended and will want the chance to show his steps forward as he gets back to full fitness and back in the groove. Can he upset the apple cart at the front?

Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), meanwhile, will want a lot more. Zarco had a good Sprint in fourth but then a middling Sunday, and Marini didn’t manage to fully challenge at the front at Silverstone. Can they turn that around in Austria? And can Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) home in on his fellow Ducatis?

Full factory reset

Silverstone was a tough one for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ pairing Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. For Quartararo, the wet qualifying in which he crashed out left him last on the grid, and it didn’t get much better in the Sprint. Come race day though, the Frenchman was on a real charge up the order, so there were some positives until a clash with Marini saw him lose and then run over his own fairing. Only a year ago Quartararo was fighting for the win in Austria too, something to remember as the Misano Test approaches and the 2021 Champion’s vocal expectations of some real progress keep hitting the headlines. Meanwhile, we now know Morbidelli is leaving the factory, which adds an extra arc of storyline. What can Yamaha find in Austria?

Finally, at Honda, the vibe seems to have changed. We know that Alex Rins is leaving the factory to replace the aforementioned Morbidelli – and we await confirmation of when Rins will be back this season alongside Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda, with Iker Lecuona subbing this weekend – but for the rest it’s all hands on deck at Honda.

In the Sprint at Silverstone, Marc Marquez rode behind Repsol Honda teammate Joan Mir to get a look at their bike in action. On Sunday the number 93 crashed out but had some positives to find from the weekend. The maelstrom of noise and rumours about the future, stretching all the way back to the German GP, now seems to have gone quieter, and in its place it seems there’s an eight-time World Champion rolling his sleeves up and accepting not defeat, but what’s needed in the here and now to get back to glory. Information. Kilometers. Direction. Is that the reality on the inside? We can’t know for now, so we’ll just have to watch this space…

SHOWTIME IN STYRIA

The CryptoDATA Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich sees us return to usual order, with MotoGP™ last on the menu.

Tissot Sprint: Saturday 15:00 (GMT +2)

Grand Prix Race: Sunday 14:00 (GMT +2)

Moto2™: Acosta arrives ahead on KTM home turf

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) couldn’t really have taken the Championship lead with better timing. With a podium at Silverstone he arrives into KTM’s home race with two points in hand, and he’ll want to leave the Red Bull Ring with even more. His form since that DNF in France would likely convince few to bet against him. So what has he got in the locker for Austria? And could the stage be set for some silly season pieces of the puzzle to fall into place?

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), meanwhile, will want to hit back after that difficult race at Silverstone, but he’ll need to find that few tenths he was missing. And Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) wants to find some luck as well after a crash in qualifying sent him mid-pack on the grid and then a tangle in the race sent him off into the gravel. Can they strike back?

New winner Fermin Aldeguer (SpeedUp) could prove one to watch once more though. We’ve often seen a first Grand Prix win open the floodgates and the injection of confidence, for a rider who’s already shown great speed, could get very interesting as the season rolls on.

Join us for more Moto2™ this weekend!

Moto3™: home glory on the line in Austria

At the Red Bull Ring in 2022, Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) overcame a double Long Lap to take a truly impressive win, and as the paddock arrives back in Austria the Japanese rider is on a run of podium finishes – and he’s up to second in the standings. He’ll be looking to take that elusive first win of the season on a stage he’s ruled before.

Speaking of first wins though, David Alonso (GASGAS Aspar Team) got the job done last time out, and in some style. From the back of the grid the rookie made history as the first Colombian Grand Prix winner, and he made it look easy. Can he keep the roll going?

Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), meanwhile, was back on the podium at Silverstone and still has quite an advantage, and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) only just lost out on a rostrum finish at Silverstone after that last lap shuffle. There’s something serious at stake for all too: home glory at KTM’s home track, as all fly the flag for brands racing under the Austrian factory’s umbrella.

The rider looking to truly bounce back is Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing), who crashed out the lead at Silverstone, but he continues to lead the Honda resistance. Can he spoil the party? Styria could stage another classic so tune in this weekend for more Moto3™ action!

Video: Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back To The Future At Mugello

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1), Carlos Lavado (32), Johnny Cecotto (4), Andrea Locatelli (8), and others on vintage Yamaha racebikes at Mugello. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1), Carlos Lavado (32), Johnny Cecotto (4), Andrea Locatelli (8), and others on vintage Yamaha racebikes at Mugello. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

Yamaha Racing Heritage Club Goes Back to the Future at Mugello

The Yamaha Racing Heritage Club enjoyed a spectacular two days at Mugello on the 21st-22nd of July as part of the Yamaha Racing Experience, uniting legendary riders and their modern-day contemporaries on some historic two-stroke machinery.

Do you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road? Find out if you are eligible to become a member of the YRHC and start the registration process by clicking here.

Now in its second year, in 2023, the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club (YRHC) is honouring the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary two-cylinder liquid-cooled TZ350 production racer that was brought out in 1973, based on the factory YZ634 ridden by Jaarno Saarinen to second in the 1972 FIM 350cc World Championship.

Plus, 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of the ground-breaking R1 superbike, which has achieved numerous successes over the years since its introduction in 1998, including two FIM Superbike World Championships (2009 & 2021) and four consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victories (2015-2018).

The Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE) at the magical Mugello Circuit in Italy provided the perfect opportunity for stars of the past and present to come together to celebrate both of these iconic machines in what proved to be a truly memorable occasion. The YRE is usually an exclusive event only open to owners of Yamaha’s flagship R1M, but for the first time, it was expanded to include invited members of the YRHC to allow them to join in the fun.

Over the two days, the YRHC members got to take part in several dedicated track sessions alongside two legendary Venezuelan riders whose names are synonymous with the TZ, 1975 FIM 350cc World Champion and 1978 FIM Formula 750 World Champion Johnny Cecotto and double FIM 250cc World Champion (1983 & 1986) Carlos Lavado.

 

 

To complete the connection from the past to the present, they were joined by Yamaha’s current crop of riding superstars from the FIM Superbike World Championship and the Endurance World Championship, who all race the R1.

These included Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Official Team’s 2021 Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and 2020 Supersport World Champion Andrea Locatelli, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s double Supersport World Champion (2021 & 2022) Dominique Aegerter and 2020 Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner, GMT94 WorldSBK Team’s 2022 Supersport World Championship runner-up Lorenzo Baldassari, Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team’s 2022 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray, plus Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s 2017 Endurance World Champion Niccolò Canepa.

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoying the smell of the exhaust from an ex-Eddie Lawson Yamaha YZR500. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoying the smell of the exhaust from an ex-Eddie Lawson Yamaha YZR500. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

During the event, the modern-day Yamaha riders got to fulfil their childhood dreams by trying out some seminal two-stroke machines, including Eddie Lawson’s 1986 FIM 500cc World Championship-winning YZR500 0W81, Freddie Spencer’s 1993 ROC Yamaha YZR500, Christian Sarron’s 1978 TZ750, plus replicas of the YZR750 0W31s that Steve Baker and Cecotto rode to the FIM Formula 750 World Championship in 1977 and 1978 respectively.

 

Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker's 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Toprak Razgatioglu (32) sampling a replica of Steve Baker’s 1977 FIM Formula 750 World Championship-winning Yamaha YZR750 0W31. Photo courtesy Yamaha.

 

Having been given a taste of what it was like to race on a classic two-stroke, the WorldSBK and EWC riders returned the favour by giving Cecotto and Lavado a chance to take to the track on something more akin to what they ride competitively, a pair of the latest-spec R1Ms. Both sets of riders embraced the opportunity in a joyous celebration of all things Yamaha, showcasing how racing is truly a part of the manufacturer’s DNA.

To complete its second year, the YRHC will honour Yamaha’s long history of success in off-road racing and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the YZ series of bikes at the Veterans MX of Nations at Foxhills in England on the 24th-28th of August. The event will feature three-time 125cc MX World Champion Alessio Chiodi, former Yamaha factory motocross team manager Michele Rinaldi, and several historic YZ machines from throughout its fifty years of racing.

As you can see, the YRHC was set up to safeguard and recognise Yamaha’s rich racing legacy by allowing owners of classic race bikes to become members, register their bikes on the official database, receive advanced technical support, and participate in some very special events.

Would you like to join the YRHC? If you own a Yamaha race bike, whether on or off-road, find out if you are eligible to become a member and start the registration process by clicking here.

Paolo Pavesio

Director Marketing & Motorsport – Yamaha Motor Europe

“What an event! It is the first time we have invited members of the YRHC to the YRE, and it turned out to be a truly memorable moment. I have rarely seen so many smiling faces, and to see the YRHC members get to ride on track alongside Johnny and Carlos, as well as our today stars from WorldSBK and EWC. It was incredible to see the younger riders try out our legendary two-stroke bikes and, for Carlos and Johnny to get the chance to ride the R1M. It was a wonderful event that brought together the past and present of Yamaha to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the TZ alongside the 25th anniversary of the R1, and I think it was something extraordinary for the YRHC members to experience. Technology may have moved on a lot, but racers share a similar passion no matter the era they are from, and it was great to see that shared with the YRE customers and YRHC members over the two unforgettable days in Mugello.”

Turn 14 Distribution Acquiring Tucker Powersports

A 2019 ATV/UTV Tucker Powersports catalog.
A 2019 ATV/UTV Tucker Powersports catalog. Photo courtesy Tucker Powersports.

Tucker Powersports To Be Acquired by Turn 14 Distribution

Fort Worth, TX – August 14, 2023 – Tucker Powersports announced today that its business will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution, one of the largest automotive aftermarket distributors in the United States.  The purchase includes certain assets of Tucker and all of its private label brands, which include well-known brands such as Kuryakyn, Answer Racing, Pro Taper, and QuadBoss.

“The change in ownership will provide a huge injection of resources to better serve Tucker dealers around the country,” said Marc McAllister, President and CEO of Tucker Powersports. “I am confident that Turn 14 will have a significant impact on the powersports industry with its approach to inventory and its high-quality customer service.”

Turn 14 Distribution is noted for its customer-first approach, proprietary technology, and logistics efficiency in the automotive industry. Turn 14 Distribution is a sixteen-year-old, national, B2B only distributor based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It operates facilities in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, and has over five hundred employees across three distribution centers and two office locations. The company, named after the 14th turn in the legendary Road America racecourse, was awarded SEMA’s Warehouse Distributor of the Year in 2016, 2018, and 2021. In 2022 it was awarded SEMA Channel Partner of the Year, previously the Warehouse Distributor of the Year award, for excellence in distribution. It will apply to the powersports industry many of the principles the company was founded upon and is known for, including building favorable relationships with partners and employees and leveraging the company’s strengths in operations, technology, and customer service.

“We understand the importance of the dealer in the motorcycle and UTV owner experience,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution. “We are confident that powersports dealers will benefit from working with us, and we are excited to continue the legacy of Ed Tucker and others who have played an important role in this company’s history.”

Piper Sandler & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Tucker.

N2/WERA National Endurance: Army Of Darkness Wins Again, At PittRace (Updated)

Josh Hayes (99) leading the race on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.
Josh Hayes (99) leading the race on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.

Army Of Darkness Wins Overall And Heavyweight Class at the N2/WERA National Endurance Race by Dunlop at Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Army of Darkness’ (AOD) Josh Hayes, Chris Peris, Ben Walters, and Cody Wyman took the Heavyweight class and overall victories at Round Four of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop six-hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, in Wampum, Pennsylvania.

“It was the first time in 30 years that we loaded the racebike into the trailer heading to the track which was not capable of turning a lap,” said AOD Crew Chief Tim Gooding. “We had a leaking countershaft seal at our test on Monday and fortunately Josh Hayes was testing with Attack Performance, so he hand carried the part for us on his flight to Pitt and we pressed the seal into place on Friday morning at the start of practice.  That was a first for me.”

With the “retaining oil” problem resolved, the race was not without incident.

“We had the strongest rider line up we’ve ever had for a race with Josh Hayes, Cody Wyman, Ben Walters, and the long-awaited return of Chris Peris,” said Chief Mechanic Melissa Berkoff. “We knew that our lap times were going to be competitive and relentless as each rider was going to be fast, so we were really keeping one eye on the weather and the other on the fickle and capricious nature of the endurance racing goddess.”

Starting from pole position, Hayes took the lead of the race from lap one and AOD never relinquished it, ultimately finishing two laps ahead of the second-place team.

“We got a little bit of a break because the first rain storm came exactly when we needed to pit for fuel and tires anyway,” said Wyman. “The crew were watching the minute to minute weather and left me out a few extra laps dipping into the reserve fuel to put rains on just when we needed fuel.  The Dunlop slicks worked surprisingly well on a wet track!”

“There is always something to learn on a road race bike and endurance racing gives a lot of opportunities for those lessons,” said Hayes. “The weight bias on the bike, the hard compound tires, having to mix up the lines to move through traffic, and the changing conditions.  My least favorite time on a race bike is being out on a dry track on deteriorating rains, so guess what they made me do!”

 

Chris Peris (99) preserving the front Dunlop on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.
Chris Peris (99) preserving the front Dunlop on the Army of Darkness Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy Army of Darkness.

 

“I was going around the outside of a rider in six when he lost the front, straightened up and T-boned me at about 120 mph,” said Chris Peris. “The impact deployed the air bag on my suit and bent my right clip-on down like a vintage board track racer and pushed me off into the rain soaked grass at about 100 mph.  The whole time I am thinking “DO NOT DROP THE BIKE OUT OF P1!”  I got back onto pavement and got back down to pace but with my airbag deployed I couldn’t really see or move.  And the bent clip-on was barely usable.  I did about ten laps like that before the lightning warning red flagged the race.  Welcome back to endurance racing!”

AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Yamaha, Industry 13, Woodcraft, Hindle, Supersprox, Thermosman, N2, WERA, Roadracing World.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVVPKiHYQ52FqkoPkI-vEQ?sub_confirmation=1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by N2 Racing:

Army of Darkness wins the largest Ever N2/WERA National Endurance Event at Pitt Race.

 

Army of Darkness (99). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Army of Darkness (99). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

Media, PA (August 2023) – Army of Darkness won the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop 6-Hour race at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. The event, held on Saturday August 12th, was the largest N2 motorcycle endurance event ever held with more than 87 teams competing for a lucrative cash purse and championship bonuses.

The 6-hour race started under beautiful Pennsylvania blue skies with Josh Hayes starting from pole on the Dunlop equipped Army of Darkness YZF-R1. Hayes led into Turn One and the Army of Darkness team never relinquished the lead for almost four and half hours until the race was stopped for lightning in the area. The paddock waited patiently for the weather to clear, and a little after the five hour and thirty-five-minute mark the track gave the ok to resume race.  Race officials looked at the time required to get corner workers and safety personnel back in position and at three additional storms cells approaching. It was concluded that there simply was not enough time to get the race restarted safely before the 6-hour mark and the decision was made to call the race at the time of the weather-related red flag.

Army of Darkness extended their overall championship points lead and Heavyweight class points lead with the victory in both classes. Riders Josh Hayes, Cody Wyman, Chris Peris and Ben Walters have been fast and consistent all year on their Dunlop-quipped Yamaha YZF-R1 with very few mistakes. Roll Tide Racing came all the way from Colorado to finish second in the Heavyweight class on a BMW S 1000 RR. Team Keep it on the Pipe finished third on a Kawasaki ZX-10R with riders Alex Irzyk, Patrick Plowman, and Eric Vowels.

 

Alpha Omega (38). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Alpha Omega (38). Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

The Alpha Omega Endurance Team won the Middleweight class race on a Dunlop-shod Yamaha YZF-R6 with riders Anthony Mazziotto, Blake Davis, Eziah Davis, and Emerson Amaya. Alpha Omega ran the fastest lap times in middleweight by a large margin and completed fast pitstops for a dominant win. LaRoche Racing finished second on a Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R6 with riders CJ LaRoche, Chris Murphy, and Craig Frantz.  Mi Scusi finished in third with riders John Hvizdak, Sloan West, Thomas McQuigg and Tim Wilson also on a Yamaha YZF-R6.

The Lightweight Class was won by endurance veterans RBoM Racing led by the legendary Russell Masecar. Russell used brilliant pit strategy and a bit of luck to secure victory on a Suzuki SV650 with riders Giacomo Manera and Ryan Wolfe. Robem Engineering finished in second place with riders Gus Rodio, Toby Khamsouk, and Alessandro DiMario on an Aprilia RS 660 and 419 Racing finished third with riders Jerry Reeves and Jon Crawford.

The Ultra Lightweight 2-Hour Endurance was an incident-free affair with 46 teams competing on a variety of motorcycles. SportbikeTrackGear.com’s Max Van rode the entire event solo to a victory of more than 45 seconds over Ready to Ride’s Ryne Snooks. Team ECB/Bartcon Racing finished third. All of the top three teams used Kawasaki Ninja 400s.

 

Max Van (48) on the SportbikeTrackGear.com Kawasaki Ninja 400. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.
Max Van (48) on the SportbikeTrackGear.com Kawasaki Ninja 400. Photo by Contact Patch Photography, courtesy N2 Racing.

 

The Relay Class is a unique exhibition class intended to get teams into endurance racing without building a dedicated endurance program. Each rider on the team can use their own bike and switch transponders with their teammates instead of performing complete pit stops. Nature Power Superbike dominated the relay class and turned the fastest lap time of the event with riders Jason Waters and Dan Kruger. We R1 Endurance Race Team finished in second and Team Half Send finished third.

About N2:  N2 – Ride, Learn, Race.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured motorcycle track days, advanced rider training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School teaching methods, with a strong affinity for motorcycle road racing. N2 successfully resurrected Motorcycle Endurance Racing in America partnering with WERA Roadracing and creating the N2/WERA National Endurance Series by Dunlop. N2 is a premier participant in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing Series with a multi-rider team competing in several classes. N2 is also a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through fundraising efforts and support from its large member base.

The N2 National Endurance Series is proudly sponsored by: Dunlop Motorcycle Tire, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Dainese, Woodcraft Technologies, BobbleHeadMoto, WERA Road Racing, KYT Helmets America, R.E.B Graphics, Millennium Technologies, Wiseco Pistons, JE Pistons, Rise Moto, Ghetto Customs, Pit-Lane Moto and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

For more information: www.n2td.org

Roadracing World Action Fund: Donations Large And Small Make A Difference!

Inflatable sections of Alpina safety barriers being put into place ahead of the MotoAmerica races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Inflatable sections of Alpina safety barriers being put into place ahead of the MotoAmerica races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

This year’s “Rainey’s Ride to the Races” event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca brought enthusiastic race fans and road racing stars together to have fun and raise money for the Roadracing World Action Fund.  All of the 40 spots available for the ride were sold out plus several spots made available at the last minute, and each $500 ticket purchased included a three-day admission ticket for the MotoAmerica race weekend. Twenty tickets were purchased by the (Terry) Vance Family Foundation.

Others donating at the event were noted Roadracing World Action Fund contributor Leslie Stretch, who, with his donation of $25,000, tops the individual contributor list with an all-time total of $175,000 in donations; The Talbott Family Foundation, donating $10,000 ($50,000 total); and Mark Mitchell, donating $8,000 ($14,000 total). Other cash donations brought the total raised to nearly $100,000.

Road racing and track day organizations: N2 Trackday’s most recent fundraiser totaled $33,553; PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days raised $23,004; and OMRRA, $10,000. The California Roadracing Association (CRA), Yamaha Champions Riding School, and the Bagger Racing League each donated $5,000.

Many have donated this year to help replace Airfence sections lost in a fire which was caused by a crash at Road Atlanta; and RideSmart Motorcycle School in Texas is fundraising to cover deployment of much needed soft barriers at its school and track day events.

In Memory of…

NEMRR raised $21,461 in memory of Scott Briody, killed in MotoAmerica competition at Brainerd International Raceway in 2022.

The family of racer Jason Aguilar, who died in a bicycle accident, raised $966 on Facebook and donated it to the fund in his memory.

About the Roadracing World Action Fund

      The Roadracing World Action Fund – a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization – began back in 2001 as a grassroots movement to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and riders.  At the time, haybales or stacks of tires were sometimes placed in front of concrete walls for rider protection in case of a crash. A far better solution for rider safety existed – FIM-homologated inflatable soft barriers which absorb the energy of a crash. Soft barriers–made by Airfence or Alpina and purchased the Roadracing World Action Fund using donations and fund raisers–help improve the chances that racers can walk away from a crash which in the past might have caused catastrophic injury, or even death. 

     The Roadracing World Action Fund gained the support of the motorcycle community, as racers, riders, family and friends, motorcycle businesses, racing organizations and racetracks helped make use of soft barriers the standard, rather than the exception, for motorcycle races and track days across the nation. Now, from Laguna Seca to Daytona, Motorsports Ranch to VIR, Road Atlanta to Road America, and many more, soft barriers are deployed more frequently and in greater quantities than ever before, as the Roadracing World Action Fund continues its mission of helping prevent racetrack injuries through motorcycle road racing safety education, and by organizing donations and funding to purchase and deploy FIM-homologated soft barriers.

Video: Garrett Gerloff: “Road Trip To Misano – Italy”

American Garrett Gerloff (31) at speed on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR Superbike at Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
American Garrett Gerloff (31) at speed on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR Superbike at Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

 

Hard to explain how much fun it is having familiar faces around! Been loving having my friends and family come over for the race weekends, I hope they keep coming!

MotoCalifornia Luxury Motorcycle Tours: 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/MotoCalifornia

Watch all the World SuperBike action LIVE here! 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/WorldSBK31

Defy All Odds apparel 10% off with discount code: GG31 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/DefyAllOdds31

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Shot & edited by Brad Schwartzrock (@bradschwartzrock)

#roadtrip #europe #worldsbk

00:00 Intro

00:19 Airport 🇪🇸

00:58 Andorra 🇦🇩

02:21 Monaco 🇲🇨

03:19 Misano 🇮🇹

03:36 MotoCalifornia Promo

04:23 Michele Sporco Prank

05:52 Sunday Montage

06:46 Wise Words

 

British Superbike: Race Two And Race Three Results From Thruxton (Updated)

Jason O'Halloran (22) leads the field off the line in British Superbike Race One at Thruxton Circuit. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O'Halloran (22) leads the field off the line in British Superbike Race One at Thruxton Circuit. Photo courtesy MSVR.

Jason O’Halloran won Bennetts British Superbike Race Two Sunday at Thruxton Circuit, in England. Riding his McAMS Yamaha YZF-R1, the Australian won the 20-lap race by 1.176 seconds.

Lee Jackson was the runner-up on his Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, and Charlie Nesbitt got third on his MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

O’Halloran then completed a sweep of the weekend by winning 20-lap Race Three by a scant 0.213 second. Jackson was the best of he rest again, and Nesbitt claimed third again.

BeerMaster Ducati’s Tommy Bridewell holds the Championship point lead after 21 of 33 races.

Americans Eli Banish and Julian Correa finished seventh and 11th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup Race Two Sunday at Thruxton.

 

BSB R2
 BSB R3
 BSB Points after R3

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MSVR:

Thunder from down under: Aussie rules to make history in another Thruxton thriller

 

 

Jason O'Halloran. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Jason O’Halloran. Photo courtesy MSVR.

 

Jason O’Halloran has eclipsed triple champion Niall Mackenzie to become Yamaha’s most successful race winner in Bennetts British Superbike Championship history, celebrating a treble race win in another Thruxton thriller to take his race-winning tally to 25 for the manufacturer.

Thruxton was a successful weekend for the Australian contenders as the O’Show was unstoppable in Bennetts BSB, whilst Ben Currie completed a double in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship.

After victory in the BikeSocial Sprint Race yesterday, O’Halloran was hungry to repeat the feat and maintain his impressive win rate at Thruxton, which he did in impressive style to claim eight of the last nine races at the circuit.

However, he was made to work for it in both races as Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki all celebrated podium success and for Team Green, their first top three finish in 2023 as Lee Jackson became the eleventh different podium finisher of the season.

In the second race of the weekend O’Halloran carved his way through the pack to claim victory, coming from tenth at the end of lap one to snatch the lead in the closing stages to hold off Jackson who took both his and the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki team’s first podium of 2023.

O’Halloran had started seventh on the grid, but at the end of the opening lap, he was down to tenth and then had to work his way back through the pack. It wasn’t until the final five laps when he had moved into fourth and then he was battling for the lead with Jackson with three laps to go.

After trading positions, the Australian was able to make a break on the final two laps to maintain his impressive winning form at Thruxton, celebrating his 25th race win in Bennetts BSB.

Jackson meanwhile had pushed through to second after an intense battle that featured no less than eight riders throughout the 20-lap contest. The Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki rider had the edge over the fight for third, but it was disappointment for his teammate, rookie Max Cook, who had been mixing it with the more established contenders all weekend.

The local contender was embroiled in the tussle in the front group, but on lap 14 it got congested into the Chicane and he ended up on the kerb and consequently crashed out unhurt.

The pack continued to shuffle with positions constantly changing and it was a traditional Thruxton dogfight until the finish, with nothing separating the top eight contenders.

Rookie Nesbitt continued his impressive performance this weekend to return to the podium holding off Ryan Vickers on the leading LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha who had been one of six different riders to lead the pack during the race.

In the final race of the weekend, again O’Halloran had to fight his way through to the front; ending the opening lap in tenth place, losing a place from his ninth place grid position. The O’Show once again though delivered a calculated performance to work his way through the pack, keeping his calm to move up the order. At mid-race distance, he was seventh and it wasn’t until the closing laps that he made his final charge.

O’Halloran moved from fourth to second on lap 18 of 20 with a decisive move to pass both Nesbitt and Jackson. The Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki rider though fought back to regain the lead, but on the penultimate lap, the McAMS Yamaha emerged ahead and then held off the counter challenge to take the triple win.

The treble victory has launched O’Halloran from sixth in the standings before round seven, up to third ahead of Cadwell Park on the August Bank Holiday.

Jackson and rookie Nesbitt returned to the podium for the second time today as Cook celebrated equaling his strongest result in his first Bennetts BSB season with another fourth place. Nesbitt celebrated at the end of his home round, giving the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing team a treble podium in only his seventh round in the Superbike class.

Vickers was the leading LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha in fifth place ahead of Leon Haslam on the leading BMW.

Championship leader Tommy Bridewell finished in 14th and 15th place today, in his worst finish of the season. The BeerMonster Ducati rider still maintains his advantage at the top of the standings, but it has been reduced to 26.5 points over teammate Glenn Irwin.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Race 2 result:

  1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
  2. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +1.176s
  3. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +2.185s
  4. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +2.773s
  5. Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Yamaha Racing) +2.807s
  6. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +5.090s
  7. Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +7.259s
  8. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +7.407s
  9. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +7.728s
  10. Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +8.021s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Thruxton, Race 3 result:

  1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
  2. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.213s
  3. Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +0.334s
  4. Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.929s
  5. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +1.145s
  6. eon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +3.014s
  7. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +3.927s
  8. Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +4.142s
  9. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +5.927s
  10. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +8.002s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

  1. Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 263
  2. Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 236.5
  3. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 212.5
  4. Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 208
  5. Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 201
  6. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 185.5
  7. Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) 178
  8. Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 175
  9. Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 159
  10. Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) 115

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Jason O’Halloran

McAMS Yamaha

“That’s the best weekend of my career, coming off the back of a couple of average rounds to bounce back like this is exactly what we needed.

“We’ve clawed a lot of points back this weekend with pole position and three race wins which is incredible. I’m now Yamaha’s most successful rider in terms of race wins and have 26 BSB wins which is just incredible.

“And I’ve won eight of the last nine races at Thruxton which is another amazing stat!

“This is exactly what the team needed and I think we can carry this momentum forward now to Cadwell Park which is my favourite race of the year.”

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